Flights to Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture from NT$5,900

Depending on where you're coming from, your trip to Tsuruoka could be completely painless or it could go on forever. We've pulled together some useful travel tips that will help you start your next big adventure on a positive note. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• First, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and vital medications. Next, you'll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A juicy book and a phone filled with your favorite shows are some great options. If you hope to take a quick snooze, a comfy neck pillow and some noise-canceling headphones will also come in handy. Finally, make room for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes to ensure you hop off the plane feeling fresh and raring to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Leave all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Sharp or pointed objects, like your beloved Swiss Army knife, and products which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, flares and poisons, are also prohibited.

What to wear on a flight:

• Your main aim is to be as comfortable as possible. Go for a pair of slip-on shoes, dress in loose, breathable clothing and remember to bring a jacket in case you get cold in the cabin.
• It's likely you've heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To lower your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and do gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat.

The secret is to be well organized before you arrive at the airport security gate. That way, you'll be hopping onto that plane to Tsuruoka before you know it. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• First things first. Your ID and travel documents will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them handy so you don't hold up the line.
• Next up is the X-ray machine. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to set off the scanner's alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• All your electronics, including your phone and tablet, must also be scanned.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to take on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). Also, they all must fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• It's also possible you'll need to take your shoes off for scanning, so wearing slip-on shoes is always a smart idea.
• Sharp or pointed items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be confiscated at security, so pack them in your checked baggage.